The black‑red governing coalition has agreed on a date for the next Federal President election. The Federal Assembly will convene on 30 January 2027, reports “Spiegel” citing sources from both the Union and the SPD.
The current election date of 14 February is ruled out by the coalition because the Munich Security Conference takes place that weekend. Formally the decision rests with Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), who must summon the Federal Assembly and determine the venue and time; the Parliament’s Senior Council is involved in scheduling.
Behind the scenes, “Spiegel” notes, the parties have been negotiating hard over the date. Incumbent President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier reportedly prefers a later election to keep the transition period as short as possible-his term ends on 18 March 2027. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), on the other hand, stresses the importance of keeping the Security Conference weekend free, as foreign dignitaries attend in Munich.
The Basic Law only mandates that a Federal Assembly must meet no later than 30 days before the president’s term expires. Historically such assemblies have usually taken place on a Saturday or Sunday, making the Security Conference weekend the latest feasible option. The weekend before was excluded because of carnival celebrations, leading the SPD and Union to settle on 30 January.
The plan has not yet been confirmed with the opposition. According to Green sources, no discussion has taken place with them.